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Writing Practices

How readable is your writing?

Published about 1 month ago • 2 min read

The Writing Voice exercise for June + more

Hi Reader,

Last time, I asked about your thoughts on AI. So many people responded—and, as you might guess, reactions to using generative AI were mixed.

We have many cautious adopters on this list, and most of you draw a firm line under using AI to write—at least, for the writing that matters.

Several people report using it for brainstorming and unblocking. One has experimented using AI for graphics for her blog (with mixed results).

  • Morgan uses it in her marketing job as an assistant: "Using it to take over repetitive tasks or to help push through a block is incredibly helpful."
  • Aha doesn't use it all all, saying "I have so many ideas to write I don't need AI." Love this!
  • Diana suggested the tool SubTxt, which uses AI to connect scenes in your work.
  • My friend Erin Lebacqz shared a useful way to construct AI writing prompts in this video.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts as we all tussle with this fast-changing technology.

This week let's focus on the human beings reading our words. How easy is it for people to read the stuff we write? The Writing Voice exercise for June is about reading levels. Have fun with it.

How readable is your writing?

If the average American reads at a 7th or 8th grade level, do you know where your writing falls?

This exercise gives you everything you need to know to tinker with your reading level. Have fun!

If you'd rather watch than read, here's a link to the YouTube video.

Register today for the Workbook Workshop

Want to write a workbook? Check out this small-group workshop in June. Registration closes June 11 or when we hit capacity, whichever happens first!

​Learn more and register here.

The first assignment goes out Friday. If you're interested, jump in now so you'll have time to work before the first Zoom meeting on June 12th.

Do you need an accountability partner?

Occasionally people reach out to me for coaching when what they really need is accountability. Jane Friedman's blog as a wonderful post about how to build a successful "accountability" partnership with another writer.

Maybe give it a try this summer (or winter, if you are down under). Find another writer you can meet with. Online is fine, but in-person is more powerful.

And, if you already have an accountability partner, how does that work for you? I'd love to know.

Until next time, keep writing!

Anne

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Writing Practices

by Anne Janzer

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